HECTOR — Being placed on the fiscal distress watch list has led to the reduction of personnel and a cut in benefits at the Hector School District, but it has not changed Superintendent Walt Davis' sense of Wildcat pride.

Davis plans to coach the school back to contention with every decision he makes.

"We've had some difficult troubles, but I believe we are making decisions to heal Hector," Davis said. "There's been a lot of challenges, but we will continue to be a great school district."

Davis first came to the school district in 1996 as a boys basketball coach and math teacher after earning a bachelor's and master's degree in math education from Arkansas Tech University.

After his sixth season with the Wildcats, Davis pursued coaching opportunities at Dardanelle, Dover and Harmony Grove. Somehow, he knew he belonged at Hector.

"Although I was away for eight years, I came back every year because this town is great," Davis said.

He returned to Hector as high school principal in 2010 and was named superintendent in 2011, giving him a new look at the school system.

"Every problem is yours, so your scope has to grow," Davis said. "You better understand decisions and view them from the biggest possible perspective."

Though his position allows him to continue to help students, he misses being in the classroom.

"I miss the closeness to young people," Davis said. "You don't get the daily contact, but you still do everything you can to help your school."

Davis comes from a family with a background in education. His father was superintendent at the Humphrey School District for nearly 20 years, his mother was a home economics teacher and his sister is a teacher.

"I didn't have a choice," Davis joked. "It would have been difficult to advance without their support."

His wife Tina, their two daughters and the residents of Hector also provide encouragement.

"People have been supportive, and we are rallying in every way," Davis said. "I am really grateful. Hector is a special place to me, and it's been a wonderful place to work."